Tuam and Straubing mark 35 years of twinning
Decades of friendship
REPRESENTATIVES from Galway County Council visited Germany last week to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Tuam’s twinning partnership with Straubing.
The historic city located along the banks of the River Danube has a population of around 50,000.
The visit centred on a special Town Partnership Day, bringing together delegations from Straubing’s three twinned towns - Tuam, Romans in France and Wels in Austria.
Cathaoirleach of the Tuam Municipal District Cllr Mary Hoade lead the council delegation and was accompanied by Director of Services for Tuam Michael Owens and Meetings Administrator Geraldine Byrne.
“The 35th anniversary is a significant milestone for Tuam and Straubing,” stated Cllr Hoade.
“What began with our shared heritage and cultural connections has developed into a lasting friendship involving schools, community groups, businesses and families.
“The annual student exchanges, which began in 1989, are an important part of that relationship and have created friendships and connections that have lasted across generations.
“It is a great honour to represent Tuam in Straubing as we celebrate this important anniversary.”
The partnership dates back to the mid-1980s, when the late Tuam historian Dr Tony Claffey proposed a twinning based on the shared heritage and the cultural and religious links established by early Irish missionaries in Bavaria.
German was being taught in most Tuam secondary schools by 1987, with annual student exchanges beginning two years later.
The twinning was formally ratified in 1991 and has developed into a wide-ranging partnership encompassing education, culture, tourism and business.
Exchanges have involved schools, music and theatre groups, while Tuam students have taken up summer employment in Straubing. The close relationship is also reflected in Straubing, where a street has been named in honour of Tuam. Tuam also has a Straubing Street.
“For 35 years, Tuam and Straubing have built a partnership based on friendship, mutual respect and learning from each other,” commented Lord Mayor (Oberbürgermeister) of Straubing Markus Pannermayr.
“It has grown from its early focus on education into a wider relationship involving culture, music, business, tourism and community life.
“We are delighted to welcome our friends from Tuam this week and look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation.”
Events included a civic reception, visits to major civic projects and discussions on international youth work.
The Tuam delegates also participated in events at the Gäubodenvolksfest, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
“The strength of the Tuam-Straubing relationship is that it has always been about people,” noted Director of Services for the Tuam MD Michael Owens.
“Over 35 years, students, families, community groups, performers and businesses have maintained those links.
“The 35th anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to the partnership and to build on those connections for future generations.”